Friday, July 16, 2021
Dear Cal, Tammy, Blake & family. I was devastated to hear the news of Colleen’s passing. The phone call I was to give her was too late and I’m heartbroken over that. I’m so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you all. You of course know what a wonderful woman she was but I feel you need to know her impact on the outside world. She was one of the nurses I had in the burn unit in 1976. I was hit by a drunk driver & pinned in a bonfire. I was a scared 16 year old whose face and other areas were burnt. Colleen helped me through that awful time with her kindness, compassion & caring ways. Also her humour and her laugh! I will always remember that laugh and smile. I have no idea how nurses do that job but it does take special people to work there...and she was the best. I couldn’t wait until she was back on shift. I felt so much better when she was there and I know she gave me extra attention even though the nurse’s time was at a premium. One night, a few weeks into my hospitalization I was begging for food, not just the liquid diet I had because of the facial burns. I just wanted a piece of toast. Colleen relented, as long as I promised not to move my mouth much. Oh my gosh, that toast was like having steak and all the fixings! How we giggled over that....our little secret! That small thing meant so much. I couldn’t use my hands and she would also fix my hair if I knew someone was coming to visit and shave my legs ... when really, what did it matter in that state? She had the heart of an angel and not only did she get me through that awful time in the burn unit but she gave great comfort to my family, which they so needed. I will be forever grateful and she will always have a piece of my heart.
I’m also grateful we kept in touch over the years. Cal, I was at your wedding and she spoke so much of her family when we chatted or in letters, that I felt I kind of new everyone...how she loved you all. I’m just the voice of one but I know this echoes so many.
Heaven just received a beautiful angel and no doubt she will be adding a bright light... I can hear that infectious laugh now. ‘Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.’ Until we meet again Colleen ...
Bev Larsen
